Pinkeye or conjunctivitis can take three forms: viral, bacterial, or allergic. Allergic tends to be watery, itchy and could affect both eyes. Viral is likely to have a watery discharge and there may be a light sensitivity. Bacterial conjunctivitis tends to have a thicker, more mucous drainage. The importance of differentiating is that only the bacterial infection will respond to antibiotic drops.
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Bacterial infections are less contagious but you should stay home as long as your eyes are red and watering. There are drops to treat the itching for allergic conjunctivitis.
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Local treatment helps to sooth the symptoms. Soak a washcloth in an ice bath and apply it to the eyelids every hour. Use a different one each time to avoid reinfections. Cold, artificial tears also feel good. Avoid using the ones that cause constriction of the blood vessels. Tea bags can be soothing although avoid getting any liquid directly on the eyeball.
If there are associated vision changes you should see your physician or ophthalmologist.
From Dr. Richard Abbott professor of ophthalmology at UCSF.
